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Ride Along

Name: Ride Along
Director: Tim Story
Released: 2014
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

2014

PG-13

Director

Tim Story

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ride Along introduces a predominantly Black cast, shifting the traditional white-centric buddy-cop dynamic. However, the film maintains conventional gender roles and lacks LGBTQ+ representation. While it challenges the typical buddy-cop setup, it upholds Western institutional norms without subverting systemic hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ride Along have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any non-cisgender identities or critique straight-centered relationships. There is no visible LGBTQ+ representation.

How does Ride Along portray gender?

Limited

Female characters primarily serve as romantic motivators rather than having their own choices. The film does not pass the Bechdel test.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ride Along?

Excellent

The film features a predominantly Black lead cast, challenging the typical white-centric buddy-cop dynamic. It highlights the professional and social standing of Black characters.

How does Ride Along represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story revolves around standard Western institutions, emphasizing law enforcement and nuclear family structures without critiquing capitalism or religion.

Does Ride Along include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of disabilities impacting character arcs or driving the plot.

Present on Screen

The film features a predominantly Black cast, changing the visual and cultural landscape of the action-comedy genre.
The central tension revolves around the professional competence and social standing of Black characters.

Limited or Absent

The film adheres to traditional gender roles, with female characters serving primarily as romantic motivators.
The narrative lacks LGBTQ+ representation and fails the Bechdel test.
The story reinforces Western institutional norms without critiquing systemic power structures.

Official Synopsis

For the past two years, high-school security guard Ben has been trying to show decorated APD detective James that he's more than just a video-game junkie who's unworthy of James' sister, Angela. When Ben finally gets accepted into the academy, he thinks he's earned the seasoned policeman's respect and asks for his blessing to marry Angela. Knowing that a ride along will demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister, James invites him on a shift designed to scare the hell out of the trainee. But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner's rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it.

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